Source: Jaque No. 110, February 1981, pp. 43–44.

Echoes from Alicante

International Master Jaan Eslon reviewed the Alicante tournament through one of its most instructive games. The event was won by Ángel Martín, who finished level on 5½ points with Eslon and Orestes Castro and took first place on tie-break. Sharif followed with 5 points, while Sánchez Guirado, Orestes Rodríguez, José Luis Fernández and Westerinen scored 4½.

Eslon’s notes concentrated on the strategic problems of the Modern Benoni. He explained how an early queenside pawn advance by Black created dynamic possibilities but also left serious weaknesses when White reacted accurately. The critical game turned after Black accepted a tempting tactical opportunity and overlooked a forcing continuation. White’s pieces rapidly occupied the open lines around the king, and the attack ended in an unavoidable mating net.

The article concluded with the complete final table: Martín, Eslon and Castro 5½; Sharif 5; Sánchez Guirado, Orestes Rodríguez, J. L. Fernández and Westerinen 4½; Palacios 4; M. Gómez 2.